Dressing Out of Disaster

DOPAMINE DRESSING SWEEPS PAGES WITH BOLD COLORS TO OVERCOME STRIFE

The long days spent in quarantine contemplating what the sound of a busy restaurant was like or how it felt to be at a show with the booming reverberation of live music have undoubtedly left their mark on society. Whether it be lockdown depression or any other form of stress, could fashion possibly offer emotional support? A new trend, dopamine dressing, has gripped the fashion world in a focused obsession of color and print. Despite troublesome realities, there is a cause and reason for prioritizing personal well-being and for the pursuit of ways to cope and bring joy back into one’s life.

Dopamine dressing, coined by fashion blogger Anabel Maldonado and her publication “The Psychology of Fashion,” explores that very notion, stating that one should dress in bright or expressive clothing to elevate their mood and better cope with challenges.1 This trend helps lift one’s spirits even when things seem to be at their grimmest, providing a beacon of joy in the wake of hardship. The characteristics of dopamine dressing closely align with modern fashion movement maximalism, where many colors, textures and patterns can be forced into a chaotic but spectacular harmony. Social media influencer Sara Camposarcone along with artists like Remi Wolff are excellent exhibitions of both dopamine dressing and maximalism, clashing several bright colors, textures and jewelry.2

While many so-called fashion experts have vehemently railed against color-blocking and pattern-clashing, these are the very rules broken when it comes to successful dopamine dressing. When forming a dopamine-inspired outfit, the ultimate key is to dress in things that inspire joy in the individual. From the color combinations of songbirds to the murals plastered on the frayed edges of old buildings, the color and vibrancy of the world is a limitless palette for inspiration.

This year, the strongest color trends come awash in pastel shades of pink, blue, green and yellow. Hues of fuchsia and other strong jewel tones continue to splash the pages of lookbooks far and wide, peppering pages with eye-watering color and pattern.3 A bold green top and orange pants create an eye-catching and scientifically supported mood-boosting outfit combination.4

There is a great deal of scientific research that suggests that bright colors not only influence the mood of those who wear them, but can boost spirits for onlookers as well.5 These reactions create a stunning cycle of positive energy exchange, promoting exuberance all around. The real magic comes down to the fact that not only does the person’s who’s dopamine dressing get a mental boost, but also almost every other person that happens to take a look is cheered as well.6

Dopamine dressing is not a “quick-fix” or “cure-all” for the grave challenges any one person must face. However, taking control of one’s life and reclaiming power in the things one can is not only liberating but gratifying, laying a foundation that allows one to overcome grander and less controllable problems. Can a Canary yellow trench coat solve all of our problems? No, but the boost of strength one gets from that Canary yellow coat may be the push needed to propel them forward to excel and meet the day’s expectations with a firm resolve and clear conscience.

1 Anabel Maldonado, “What is Dopamine Dressing?” The Psychology of Fashion, 2021. 2 Nadia Ebrahim, “Meet The Kidcore Stylist Who’s A ‘Sustainable Maximialist,’” Refinery 29, 2022. 3 Bella Gerard, “These Spring Color Trends Make A Case For Throwing Out Your LBD,” Stylecaster, 2022. 4 Anabel Maldonado, “What is Dopamine Dressing?” The Psychology of Fashion, 2021. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. Many designers have lovingly embraced this trend, with houses like Prada incorporating more vibrant colors such as fuchsia and rust orange into their collections.7 Houses like Missoni and Gucci have long been known for their enthusiasm towards unconventional and flamboyant use of color and pattern, continuing to challenge the ‘70s and ‘80s aesthetics to juxtapose the blandness of modern minimalism.8 The ornate and graphical baroque-pop aesthetic present in brands like Casablanca and Versace cannot be overlooked when it comes to a successful dopamine dressing pedigree.9

One does not have to look to high-end designers for dopamine dressing pieces, as numerous approachable streetwear brands such as Braindead, Pleasures, Vans and Carhartt have several inventive and daringly-bright fashion options. Even here in Madison, the local streetwear store August has several seasonal sales and opportunities to pick up fantastic pieces from popular designers at great prices. Not to be forgotten, the discount bins and other thrift options are often rife with a rainbow display of color options, making it a great place to start looking for bolder color and pattern choices without having to commit big bucks.

Celebrities have also been quick to adopt this trend, with models like Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Beiber choosing bolder color combinations and patterns than ever before.10 Most notably Rihanna, whose liberal use of bold and bright colors has become something of a hallmark, along with Queen Elizabeth the II, of course.11 Celebrities often choose simple pieces like a denim jacket, cocktail dress or sweater for unconventional shades, instantly elevating an ensemble and ensuring a breathtaking moment whenever they are seen.

When forming a dopamine-inspired outfit, the ultimate key is to dress in things that inspire joy in the individual. From the color combinations of songbirds to the murals plastered on the frayed edges of old buildings, the color and vibrancy of the world is a limitless palette for inspiration.

Dopamine dressing is a trend that seeks to boost mood and help the wearer deal with and overcome potential struggles. Humans have long embraced color as a means of self-soothing, and this trend is no different, making it certain that an injection of vibrancy and colorfulness into the fashion mainstream is on the way. Though these times are hard, and a combination of burn-out from trauma and significant historical events has made life that much more difficult, dopamine dressing remains a loyal companion, capable of taking the edge of life and making each day that much more bright. ■

7 “Spring/Summer 2022 Collection,” Prada, Jan. 15, 2022. 8 “Color Dominates Menswear This Spring,” L’Officiel USA, March 25, 2022. 9 Amy De Klerk, “Should we all be dopamine dressing?” Harper’s Bazaar, Jan. 10, 2022. 10 Maddison Hockey, “We’re Taking Cues From Our Fave Celebs When It Comes To Dopamine Dressing,” Elle Australia, Jan. 12, 2022. 11 Ibid.